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Walking Vs Jogging

Old 05-24-2012, 10:25 AM
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Default Walking Vs Jogging

I have a question and was hoping for some suggestions.

I've recently lost 25 pounds, and for the past 4 weeks I've walked home every work day for 4 miles. The first two weeks were brutal, but thats ok, because I felt some real improvement in my health, weight, and the tone of my legs.

The last week though, I haven't really "felt" anything from it... just mild irritation because I'm in Houston and its too hot xD
So today I started trying to jog some; I'd jog one block, and then walk a block, jog, walk, jog. I definitely FELT alot more.

A few problems though.
1. I have Extremely weak lungs... thats the only word my Doc could think for them. I can only take smaller breaths, so regulating breathing can be a pain. Because of this my walking blocks are pretty lax slow walking instead of my normal speed walking.
2. Speed walking, and my jogging/Walking alternations took about the same amount of time to do four miles (about 1 hour). So I'm not actually making better time... just much shorter on breath and sweating much more hahaha.

So here is my question.
1. What will help me lose more calories? Speed Walking, or Jogging alternation. I've recently his a plauteu, so anything I can think of to break it would be nice.
2. Will jogging help strengthen my lungs? Or just irritate them xD?
3. If jogging won't help, then does anyone have any exercise suggestions to strengthen lungs? I'd love to run one day; I've always loved to run, its like the closest sensation in the world to flying. Its just if I push myself too much I've always started hyperventilating, and then blacking out because of anemia (I know, pacing is key )

Insight and suggestions will be much appreciated.
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Old 05-24-2012, 12:01 PM
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Hi Bluesnow,
Hopefully others will weigh in too. Vigorous walking and jogging use about the same amount of calories per mile, it is just a little faster w/jogging.

As far as lung capacity, training usually helps improve capacity, up to a point. Mostly training improves your muscle's ability to get and use oxygen. Since I don't know what the issue with your lungs is it would be hard for me say whether jogging will help you. You might pose that question to your Dr. or ask to see a pulmonary specialist. It is worth investigating.

Unless your Dr. says otherwise I suggest you keep up your run/walk program. That's how most of us runners started off. Just use your body as a guide and don't push it past the "just a little uncomfortable" stage.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.
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Old 05-24-2012, 01:27 PM
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Are you truly anemic or are you thinking of hypoxia?

I do agree about seeing a pulmonary specialist though if you are anemic, that's something your doctor should be treating.



Unless you have a specific pulmonary problem(asthma, scarred lungs, etc.) weak lungs would actually be a weak diaphragm muscle which would limit your lung capacity.

One exercise I've seen is blowing up balloons.
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Old 05-24-2012, 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by handcycle2005
Are you truly anemic or are you thinking of hypoxia?
Well... what my doc says is that my blood levels are anemic whenever I come in... one time my iron levels were so low they didn't even read right. When I don't take iron supplements I get pretty sick... and as I've said... I've occasionally passed out when I over exert myself. xD
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Old 05-25-2012, 02:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Bluesnow222
Well... what my doc says is that my blood levels are anemic whenever I come in... one time my iron levels were so low they didn't even read right. When I don't take iron supplements I get pretty sick... and as I've said... I've occasionally passed out when I over exert myself. xD
Has he said why you're so anemic? Passing out from exertion is far from normal even with anemia.
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Old 05-25-2012, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by handcycle2005
Has he said why you're so anemic? Passing out from exertion is far from normal even with anemia.
Because I have cycle issues and bleed too much for faaaaar too long- at one point I bled for 6 months without stopping =/
That is much better than it used to be after years of Birth Control changes- and its rare I feel iron deficiency weakness... but my levels still aren't up to par. Doc says its because once you've had lower iron levels long enough your body has a hard time readjusting- especially if your diet isn't especially iron rich. Hoping my diet and more weight loss will help with that though.

I have to take Iron supplements in pretty high amounts... my Doc wants my body to readjust so that when/if I become pregnant in the future the high iron levels won't be as much a shock to my system.

So back to my original question- Walking or Jogging? xD
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Old 05-25-2012, 04:24 PM
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Start with walking, jogging will follow
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Old 06-01-2012, 05:39 AM
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i agree with Pam, its all bout taking steps and listening to your body. Do short burst of Jogging in the first instance eventually u will be running.
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Old 06-06-2012, 11:21 AM
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Just to let it be noted...

Everyday I was walking I had been carrying this heavy bookbag with a change of clothes, my purse, my lunch bag, and water bottles in it. I had done so for the past month.

Today, since the school year is out I walked with a light bag that just had an extra bottle in it.... started jogging... and then managed to run a quarter mile xD

Apparently it was the heavy bag holding me back more than anything else!
Had so much energy and free time I walked for ELEVEN MILES
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Old 06-06-2012, 04:26 PM
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Whoo hooo, way to go - I see racing in the future
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